The invention relates to an underwater switch unit for voltage supply of electrical devices (11), particularly in the low voltage range, having a housing (19) which is preferably designed to be water-tight, in which an electronics unit (2) is arranged, by means of which an input voltage, which can be connected via an input connection of the underwater switch unit (14), can be distributed in parallel to a plurality of output connections (16) of the underwater switch unit (14), wherein at least two of the output connections (16) can be supplied with voltage separate from each other via at least one switch element (7, 8) of the underwater switch unit (14), and wherein the uncontrolled underwater switch unit (14) comprises a data bus connection having a related data bus interface, via which an informational signal concerning the voltage connection of an output connection (16) can be detected.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An underwater switch unit for voltage supply of electric devices, the underwater switch unit comprising: a watertight housing comprising output connectors and an input connector; an electronic unit arranged inside the watertight housing, wherein an input voltage is applied through the input connector to the electronic unit, wherein the electronic unit is configured to distribute the input voltage in parallel onto the output connectors; at least one switch element arranged inside the watertight housing and operatively connected to one or more of the output connectors such that at least two of the output connectors are supplied separately with input voltage; wherein the underwater switch unit is incapable of a controlling action on electric devices to be connected to the output connectors; a data bus connector with an associated data bus interface configured to detect an information signal concerning a voltage supply of one of the output connectors.
An underwater switch unit provides power to electrical devices underwater. It has a watertight enclosure with input and output connectors. An electronic unit inside distributes input voltage to multiple output connectors. At least one switch allows separate voltage supply to at least two output connectors. The switch unit *only* supplies voltage; it does not control connected devices. A data bus connector and interface detect voltage status information from the output connectors.
2. The underwater switch unit according to claim 1 , wherein the output connectors each have one of the switch elements operatively connected thereto.
The underwater switch unit, which has a watertight enclosure with input and output connectors, an electronic unit inside distributing input voltage to multiple output connectors, at least one switch allowing separate voltage supply to at least two output connectors, no control function of connected devices, and a data bus connector detecting voltage status; is improved so that each output connector has its own dedicated switch element. This allows individual on/off control for each connected device.
3. The underwater switch unit according to claim 1 , wherein the switch element is designed for a switching frequency of at least 100 Hz.
The underwater switch unit, which has a watertight enclosure with input and output connectors, an electronic unit inside distributing input voltage to multiple output connectors, at least one switch allowing separate voltage supply to at least two output connectors, no control function of connected devices, and a data bus connector detecting voltage status; is improved so that the switch element operates at a switching frequency of at least 100 Hz. This means the power to the connected devices can be rapidly switched on and off.
4. The underwater switch unit according to claim 1 , wherein the switch element is an electronic switch element.
The underwater switch unit, which has a watertight enclosure with input and output connectors, an electronic unit inside distributing input voltage to multiple output connectors, at least one switch allowing separate voltage supply to at least two output connectors, no control function of connected devices, and a data bus connector detecting voltage status; is improved so that the switch element is an electronic switch. This likely means solid-state switches (transistors, etc.) are used instead of mechanical relays.
5. The underwater switch unit according to claim 4 , wherein the electronic switch element is selected from the group consisting of a transistor, a thyristor, and a triac.
The underwater switch unit, which has a watertight enclosure with input and output connectors, an electronic unit inside distributing input voltage to multiple output connectors, at least one electronic switch allowing separate voltage supply to at least two output connectors, no control function of connected devices, and a data bus connector detecting voltage status; uses an electronic switch selected from a transistor, thyristor, or triac. These are all types of semiconductor switches which control current flow using an electrical signal.
6. The underwater switch unit according to claim 1 , comprising at least two of the switch elements that are in the form of a relay.
The underwater switch unit, which has a watertight enclosure with input and output connectors, an electronic unit inside distributing input voltage to multiple output connectors, at least one switch allowing separate voltage supply to at least two output connectors, no control function of connected devices, and a data bus connector detecting voltage status; is improved by using at least two relays as the switch elements. Relays are electromechanical switches, providing electrical isolation between the control signal and the power circuit.
7. The underwater switch unit according to claim 1 , wherein the electronic unit, the data bus interface, and the switch element are arranged in a watertight potting compound.
The underwater switch unit, which has a watertight enclosure with input and output connectors, an electronic unit inside distributing input voltage to multiple output connectors, at least one switch allowing separate voltage supply to at least two output connectors, no control function of connected devices, and a data bus connector detecting voltage status; is improved by encapsulating the electronic unit, data bus interface, and the switch element in a watertight potting compound. This provides additional environmental protection and mechanical stability to the internal components.
8. The underwater switch unit according to claim 7 , further comprising a printed circuit board, wherein the electronic unit, the data bus interface, and the switch element are arranged on the printed circuit board.
The underwater switch unit, which has a watertight enclosure with input and output connectors, an electronic unit inside distributing input voltage to multiple output connectors, at least one switch allowing separate voltage supply to at least two output connectors, no control function of connected devices, and a data bus connector detecting voltage status; and is improved by encapsulating the electronic unit, data bus interface, and the switch element in a watertight potting compound; is further improved by mounting the electronic unit, data bus interface, and switch element on a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB provides electrical connections and physical support for the components before potting.
9. The underwater switch unit according to claim 1 , wherein the housing is watertightly potted.
The underwater switch unit, which has a watertight enclosure with input and output connectors, an electronic unit inside distributing input voltage to multiple output connectors, at least one switch allowing separate voltage supply to at least two output connectors, no control function of connected devices, and a data bus connector detecting voltage status; is improved by watertight potting of the entire housing. This is in addition to the potting of individual components, and further increases the water resistance of the whole switch.
10. The underwater switch unit according to claim 1 , wherein the output connectors each have a flyback diode connected thereto.
The underwater switch unit, which has a watertight enclosure with input and output connectors, an electronic unit inside distributing input voltage to multiple output connectors, at least one switch allowing separate voltage supply to at least two output connectors, no control function of connected devices, and a data bus connector detecting voltage status; is improved by connecting a flyback diode to each output connector. Flyback diodes protect the switch elements from voltage spikes caused by inductive loads.
11. The underwater switch unit according to claim 1 , wherein the data bus interface is separated galvanically from an operating voltage potential of the underwater switch unit.
The underwater switch unit, which has a watertight enclosure with input and output connectors, an electronic unit inside distributing input voltage to multiple output connectors, at least one switch allowing separate voltage supply to at least two output connectors, no control function of connected devices, and a data bus connector detecting voltage status; is improved by galvanically isolating the data bus interface from the operating voltage. Galvanic isolation prevents ground loops and protects the data bus from high voltages.
12. The underwater switch unit according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one distributor connected to one of the output connectors, wherein the at least one distributor is configured to connect several electric devices to said one output connector.
The underwater switch unit, which has a watertight enclosure with input and output connectors, an electronic unit inside distributing input voltage to multiple output connectors, at least one switch allowing separate voltage supply to at least two output connectors, no control function of connected devices, and a data bus connector detecting voltage status; is improved by including at least one distributor connected to one of the output connectors. This distributor allows multiple electrical devices to connect to a single output, effectively creating a multi-way splitter for power.
13. The underwater switch unit according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one control unit connected by the data bus connector to the electronic unit, wherein the at least one control unit is configured to be installed separate from the housing and is configured to provide pre-programmed control or programmable control of electric devices to be connected to the output connectors.
The underwater switch unit, which has a watertight enclosure with input and output connectors, an electronic unit inside distributing input voltage to multiple output connectors, at least one switch allowing separate voltage supply to at least two output connectors, no control function of connected devices, and a data bus connector detecting voltage status; is improved by including a separate control unit connected via the data bus. This control unit, installed outside the housing, provides pre-programmed or programmable control of electrical devices connected to the output connectors. The underwater switch unit itself still does not directly control those devices; it only provides power switching as commanded by the external control unit.
14. The underwater switch unit according to claim 1 , wherein the underwater switch unit is incapable of processing and transmitting control signals for dimming, color changes or frequency control of electric devices to be connected to the output connectors.
The underwater switch unit, which has a watertight enclosure with input and output connectors, an electronic unit inside distributing input voltage to multiple output connectors, at least one switch allowing separate voltage supply to at least two output connectors, no control function of connected devices, and a data bus connector detecting voltage status; *cannot* process or transmit control signals for dimming, color changes, or frequency control of connected devices. It is solely for on/off power switching.
15. The underwater switch unit according to claim 1 , wherein the underwater switch unit is without a controller function for operating electric devices to be connected to the output connectors.
The underwater switch unit, which has a watertight enclosure with input and output connectors, an electronic unit inside distributing input voltage to multiple output connectors, at least one switch allowing separate voltage supply to at least two output connectors, no control function of connected devices, and a data bus connector detecting voltage status; does *not* have a controller function for operating electrical devices. The unit only provides switched power to the devices.
16. The underwater switch unit according to claim 1 , wherein the underwater switch unit is incapable of a controlling action beyond supplying or switching off the voltage to electric devices to be connected to the output connectors.
An underwater switch unit is designed for controlling electrical devices in submerged environments, addressing the need for reliable power management in aquatic applications. The unit includes input connectors for receiving electrical power and output connectors for supplying power to connected devices. It features a switching mechanism that enables the selective activation or deactivation of voltage to these devices. The unit is specifically limited to basic on/off control functions, meaning it cannot perform advanced control actions beyond supplying or cutting off voltage to connected devices. This design ensures simplicity and robustness in underwater conditions, where complex control systems may be impractical or unreliable. The unit may also include protective features to prevent water ingress and ensure safe operation in wet environments. The switching mechanism is designed to handle the electrical loads of connected devices while maintaining operational integrity under pressure. The unit's construction prioritizes durability and resistance to corrosion, ensuring long-term functionality in harsh underwater settings. This design is particularly useful for applications such as underwater lighting, sensors, or other electrical systems where basic power control is sufficient.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
April 9, 2014
October 17, 2017
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